Long-term Substitute Learning Specialist

About the School

Founded in San Francisco in 2010, Alta Vista School implements an inquiry-based STEAM program serving approximately 325 students across two campuses. The school encourages students to go beyond a strong academic foundation to pursue their passions with the support of the community. Faculty, administrators, and families believe experiences and hands-on activities are the best practice for meaningful learning.

Alta Vista educators benefit from small class sizes and intentional instruction. Teachers serve as guides for students as they explore, observe, predict, measure, and analyze in an inquiry-based journey of discovery. The school values play and joyous, authentic learning environments. The curriculum is rooted in the scientific method, leveraging science and technology guided by the arts to benefit all. Students learn to embrace technology and apply design thinking as tools for innovation, with technology thoughtfully integrated into each classroom.

The Lower School employs a co-teaching model where co-lead teachers support students throughout the school day. Grade-level teams collaborate to ensure a dynamic and robust experience.

About the Role

Full-time contract opportunity starting on August 6, 2026, for approximately two to three months. Alta Vista Lower School is seeking a Long-term Substitute Learning Specialist to assist the Student Support Team (SST), provide math intervention for students, and coach teachers to support diverse learners. This role requires an experienced, learner-centric educator with a passion for developing and supporting the program.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Assistant Head of Lower School and other members of the Student Support Team to regularly meet with grade-level SST teams to collaborate and problem-solve student and grade-level needs.
• Provide support directly to students individually, in small groups, and within classrooms, including delivering math intervention to students in tier 3 and executive functioning support.
• Analyze neuropsychological assessments to design individualized student support plans and work with various teams (SST leadership, teachers) to ensure implementation of student supports and accommodations.
• Occasionally communicate with parents of students receiving academic intervention or who have an AVS Support Plan to cultivate a strong home-school partnership.
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) curricula, assessment tools, and best teaching practices to support, implement, and evaluate differentiated instruction.

Qualifications

• Preferred bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in Education or a related field.
• Experience working in school environments, tutoring, or providing 1:1 academic support is preferred.

Skills and Attributes

• Strong communication skills and professional ethics.
• Team-oriented with a positive attitude and strong work ethic.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize effectively and efficiently.
• Excellent time management with an ability to balance multiple projects.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills; ability to express ideas clearly and actively listen to others.
• Experience reviewing psychoeducational testing, developing related student accommodation plans, and tracking progress over time.
• Experience working with elementary-age students and parents preferred.
• Commitment to ensuring recommended student supports/accommodations are accessible and equitable for all students.

Physical Demands

• Regularly lifting or carrying 1-20 lbs.
• Regular pushing, pulling, bending, stooping, and kneeling.
• Regularly climbing stairs.
• Regularly sitting or standing for 4-8 hours.
• Requires physical presence; work to be performed on campus.

Pay

$350-450 per day, based on experience.